Antibacterial handles for optimal hygiene

KIPP manufactures antibacterial handles made of micro-silver for areas with the highest hygienic requirements such as medical or food technology. (Image: KIPP)

The MEDI grip range from KIPP includes hook, wing, and star grips as well as mushroom knobs and clamp levers. (Image: KIPP)

The antibacterial control elements of the MEDI grip product line were developed, among other things, for use in medical technology and are ideally suited for use in hospitals, laboratories, and other medical facilities. (Image: © 123rf.com/Vereshchaging Dmitry)

The MEDI grip product line from KIPP meets the highest hygiene standards and is therefore particularly suitable for use in food technology areas. (Image: © 123rf.com/Vereshchaging Dmitry)

For nearly 100 years, HEINRICH KIPP WERK has been a reliable partner of the industry. Today, the traditional company often takes a pioneering role in the sector and is also happy to explore new paths: for example, with the innovative MEDI grip products. This series expands the company's range with a selection of handles with antibacterial effects that meet the highest hygiene standards.

The antibacterial control elements of the MEDI grip product line — as the name suggests — were developed among other things for medical technology. However, they are not only excellent for use in hospitals, laboratories, and other medical facilities but also prove effective in the food technology sector. In general, the control elements are always a good choice where the highest hygiene standards apply and the spread of germs must be prevented. This is also the case in daycare centers or care facilities.

Hygiene for contact-intensive control elements

The secret of the new product line is a plastic enriched with micro-silver. Silver has been known for its antibacterial effect for a long time, as silver ions disrupt the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, thus preventing their spread — and not only that: after a few hours, most bacteria on the product surface are broken down. This means that with KIPP's antibacterial control elements, the risk of infection through contact can be drastically minimized. Between cleaning cycles, the number of existing germs is significantly reduced. Additionally, the robust components are resistant to moisture and a variety of cleaning agents. "Important for long-term use is that our MEDI grip control elements are not only superficially coated," explains Franz Mayr, sales representative at KIPP. "The material is completely impregnated with silver particles. So, the components retain their full antibacterial effect even with wear." Their effectiveness is thus maintained throughout the entire product lifecycle — confirmed by an accredited testing laboratory in several ASTM E-2180 tests.

No chance for germs of any kind

In food production, MEDI grip products can leverage their advantages on production and packaging machines as well as filling systems. Especially on machines where food can "escape," antibacterial products make sense: if the handles are contaminated during operation with perishable substances, this can be a source of further germ colonization in regular products. The difference with MEDI grip control elements is that, after colonization, they reliably prevent germ proliferation — even at extremely high temperatures: they can be used effortlessly in a temperature range from -30°C to +80°C, while maintaining their antimicrobial effectiveness without restriction.

A real alternative to stainless steel

When thinking of the "food industry," one automatically thinks of components made of stainless steel. It is true that this material is corrosion-resistant and therefore suitable for frequent cleaning cycles. However, it is also a fact that stainless steel does not withstand many chemicals commonly used in the food industry very well — for example, liquids with high NaCl concentrations or food additives like aluminum sulfate. MEDI grip products offer a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel products. The plastic used demonstrates generally good resistance against a variety of cleaning media and other chemical substances. In direct comparison to stainless steel, another advantage emerges: MEDI grip products are very lightweight and thus particularly suitable for mobile devices or machines where minimal weight is required.

Control elements with that certain something

The extensive product range from KIPP includes more than 36,000 parts, which are constantly available quickly through the logistics center. Especially in the area of handles and knobs, the company offers a variety of designs for different spatial conditions and clamping forces. With the MEDI grip products, KIPP expands its existing product portfolio into important application areas and once again positions itself as an innovative provider — as it already did with the NATURE grip product line, which includes sustainable control elements made from bio-plastic. "These two product lines target different customer groups but share one thing: they are genuine innovations that KIPP was the first to bring to market," says Franz Mayr. "Because we produce the control elements in series despite the unusual materials, they are also a real alternative for designers in terms of economy." The prerequisites for successful series production of new control elements are the high manufacturing depth, the large machinery park, and extensive know-how in injection molding at KIPP. As a result, the functional and ergonomic products always impress with their good price-performance ratio and particularly short delivery times.

MEDI grip at a glance

- Products in the proven KIPP design
- Range includes bow, wing, and star handles as well as mushroom knobs and clamp levers
- Made of plastic with antibacterial micro-silver, steel parts made of stainless steel
- Long-lasting antibacterial effect
- Resistant to moisture and cleaning agents
- No toxic side effects
- Ideal for devices and systems in areas with high hygiene requirements